Lionel Messi Plays 90 Minutes As Argentina Put Five Past UAE In World Cup Warm-Up Game
Argentina warmed up for the World Cup in Qatar by scoring five goals in nearby Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes as Argentina beat the United Arab Emirates 5-0 in a friendly at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Messi assisted Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez for first goal and scored the fourth himself as Argentina stormed into a 4-0 lead inside 44 minutes.
Juventus winger Angel Di Maria netted twice before being subbed off at half-time.
Replacement Joaquin Correa then completed the scoring 15 minutes into the second period.
It was a satisfactory workout for Argentina, but tougher tests await in World Cup Group C.
The UAE are 70th in the men’s world rankings and have never qualified for a World Cup.
Argentina will start their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia, placed 50th in the FIFA rankings, at Lusail Iconic Stadium next Tuesday.
Fellow Group C sides Poland and Mexico and ranked 26th and 13th respectively.
Argentina, who are rated by bookmakers as second favorites to win the World Cup, are currently third in the FIFA rankings, behind Brazil and Belgium.
Source: Futbolsi
